Everyday Teaching Autism Resources

What is DTT? In my special education learning center, each student is scheduled to receive an hour of one on one work time everyday. Depending on students’ skill level or attention, the number of Learn Units may vary-  so do their goals or targeted skills.  In the field of ABA, you may call this type of teaching procedure DTT or ITT.

DTT: Discrete Trial Training
ITT: Intensive Trial Training

What is DTT in ABA therapy?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), DTT (Discrete Trial Training), and ITT (Intensive Trial Teaching) are all components of behavior analytic approaches commonly used in the field of special education and autism intervention. Here’s a brief overview of each:

1. ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach that focuses on understanding and changing behavior. ABA uses systematic observation, data collection, and analysis to identify the underlying factors influencing behavior and develop strategies to promote positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors. ABA principles are applied across various settings, including schools, homes, and clinics, to support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
   
2. DTT (Discrete Trial Training): Discrete Trial Training is a teaching method within the framework of ABA. DTT breaks down skills or tasks into smaller, discrete components and teaches them through repeated trials. Each trial consists of presenting a specific instruction or question, prompting a response, and providing immediate feedback or reinforcement. DTT focuses on structured and controlled learning environments, utilizing clear prompts and specific reinforcement strategies to promote skill acquisition.
   
3. ITT (Intensive Trial Teaching): Intensive Trial Teaching is an instructional technique within the DTT framework that involves highly focused and intense teaching of specific skills or behaviors. ITT emphasizes repeated practice and reinforcement within a short period, typically with a high rate of trials and responses. It aims to rapidly build fluency and mastery of targeted skills by providing frequent opportunities for the learner to practice and demonstrate understanding.

Both DTT and ITT are often used in ABA-based intervention programs for individuals with autism. These techniques are particularly useful for teaching foundational skills, such as language and communication, social interactions, self-help skills, and academic concepts.It’s important to note that ABA programs should be individualized to meet the unique needs and goals of each learner. The specific strategies, techniques, and interventions employed should be determined based on careful assessment, ongoing data collection, and collaboration between professionals, caregivers, and individuals with autism.

However you call it, the bottom line is that this is a time where students get to work on their IEP goals(i.e., academics, listener skills and visual performance skills) in 1:1 setting.  In order to promote the high level of maintenance and generalization, we try to create opportunities to practice these specific skills in different settings and with different people. This is where NET (Natural Environment Teaching) kicks in.